Winter is here, and so are the holidays, which means it’s time to bust out the hot chocolate, deck the halls, and throw on your ugliest Christmas sweater before settling down in front of a cozy, crackling fire to wrap all those presents for the all the parties on your calendar this season. You’re sure your shirt is the ugliest in all the land, but why does your yuletide best have to be the worst? It all started in the 1950s when Christmas became a commercialized holiday and “Jingle Bell Sweaters” were introduced, featuring the classic designs that we now lovingly decry as “ugly.” The 80s and 90s popularized them through movies, and Canadians began throwing Ugly Christmas Sweater parties. The phenomenon went global, and now we’re all obsessed with the knitted atrocities that are essential in our Christmas closet. Here’s a holiday toast to some of our favorite Ugly Christmas Sweaters!
When You Really, Really Love Red Lobster
Red Lobster is one of those places that can trick you into thinking they’re fancy with their somewhat high-priced menu and endless options for stuffing yourself full of lobster, that is until you realize they probably haven’t changed the décor since 1997. But we’re not here for fancy. We’re here for the infamous Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and so is this sweater.
Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits are such a hit that you can even buy prepackaged baking mix to whip up some of your own at home without the shame of asking for three more basketfuls at the restaurant. If you’re extra dedicated, you can stash a few in the heated lining of this sweater in case you forget your Secret Santa gift at the next holiday party.